As Arkansas families feel the effects of the ongoing federal government shutdown, state leaders are stepping in to make sure no one goes hungry. This week, the Arkansas Legislative Council chairs approved an emergency request from Governor Sanders to direct $500,000 in Restricted Reserve funds to food banks starting Monday, November 3rd. The funds will [...]
The Arkansas Legislative Council this week adopted a resolution urging federal leaders to take swift action to support Arkansas farmers amid mounting economic challenges. The resolution recognizes agriculture as the backbone of the state’s economy and a vital part of America’s food security, noting that many producers are struggling with high interest rates, unpredictable weather, [...]
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to honor survivors, remember those we’ve lost, and recommit to improving access to lifesaving care. In Arkansas, breast cancer affects thousands each year. Nearly 2,400 women are diagnosed annually, and more than 400 lose their lives. Our state’s breast cancer mortality rate remains higher than the national [...]
Arkansas lawmakers held a series of committee meetings this week, covering issues ranging from childcare to criminal justice, energy development, and transportation infrastructure. On Tuesday, the House Early Childhood Permanent Subcommittee on Education examined forthcoming changes to the state’s childcare reimbursement system. Officials from the Department of Education, the Arkansas Early Childhood Association, and several [...]
Lawmakers in Little Rock tackled a wide range of issues this week, from public safety investments to energy policy and the economic strain facing Arkansas farmers. The Arkansas Legislative Council approved the transfer of $131.9 million from restricted reserve funds to help finance the construction of a new State Crime Laboratory in North Little Rock. [...]
On Monday, the Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Advisory Council met to release its 2025 findings, fulfilling the requirements set forth by Act 391 of 2021. The report serves as both an update on where Arkansas stands in addressing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, and a call to action for where the state must go next. The [...]
This week, several legislative interim committees continued their work examining key issues facing our state. On Tuesday, the Joint Performance Review Committee met to discuss citizen concerns regarding the proposed Franklin County Prison. On Wednesday and Thursday, the House and Senate Public Health, Welfare, and Labor Committees held joint meetings in Texarkana. Lawmakers received updates [...]
This week, the House and Senate Education Committees took a deep look at how Arkansas schools are preparing students not just for tests, but for life after graduation. On Tuesday, members reviewed statewide assessment results and updates on the new school accountability system. After two years of consistent testing, Arkansas students are showing steady gains. [...]
Each September, our nation pauses to honor the contributions of working men and women. Labor Day is more than just a long weekend or the unofficial end of summer; it is a time to recognize the people who keep our communities strong and our economy moving forward. In Arkansas, hard work is part of our [...]
This week, members of the ALC Hospital, Medicaid, and Developmental Disabilities Study Subcommittee received a presentation on a new approach that could reshape how Arkansas delivers both workforce and social services. During the 2025 Regular Session, the General Assembly passed Act 145, which directs the subcommittee to examine reforms to the state’s workforce and social [...]